FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Clicker Adware

Also Known As: Clickware Adware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Clicker adware?

As its name suggests, Clicker adware app (also known as Clickware) is categorized as ad-supporting software. If installed, apps of this type feed unsuspecting users with various intrusive, often deceptive ads and collect browsing-related information. They are known as potentially unwanted apps (PUAs), since most people download and install them accidentally or inadvertently.

Clicker adware adware

Some examples of ads that adware-type apps deliver include banners, surveys, coupons, pop-up ads, etc. These are intrusive and conceal underlying content of visited websites. Furthermore, if clicked, they open potentially malicious pages. There is a possibility that a clicked ad might run scripts that will cause download/installation of other PUAs.

Many adware-type apps track users' browsing activities including details such as entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, users' geolocations, IP addresses, and so on. Developers continually share the data with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

This might cause browsing safety/online privacy issues and other problems. Remove all adware immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Clicker/Clickware
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Detection Names (Free_Roblox_Account_Hacker_2015_Download_No_Survey.exe - installer promoting Clicker adware). Avast (Win32:AdwareX-gen [Adw]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Strictor.190221), ESET-NOD32 (a variant of Win32/Kryptik.GSCH), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.ojzj), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Clicker adware is designed to operate like many other apps of this type including, for example, CraniumCapacity Ads, BWplayer, Fanatical Assistant and many others. They might be presented as legitimate and useful apps, however, regular users receive no value. Only the developers (and other dubious parties) gain any benefit from them.

How did Clicker adware install on my computer?

Typically, PUAs are downloaded/installed without users' knowledge. This usually happens due to intrusive ads or the "bundling" method, which developers use to trick people into downloading and installing PUAs.

They do not disclose information about the inclusion of unwanted apps into other software set-ups and hide them in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings/options. Furthermore, many people download and install software (often freeware) without checking the available setup options, thereby unintentionally allowing PUAs to be downloaded/installed.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Be careful when installing software, especially if it is free (or ad-supporting). Do not finish any download or installation procedure without checking included checkboxes and "Custom", "Advanced" (and other) options/settings. Deselect all bundled, unwanted software/applications and only then finish downloading and installing programs.

Do not download software from untrustworthy websites, using Peer-to-Peer networks such as eMule, torrent clients, or other similar channels. Use only direct links and trustworthy, official websites. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, since they redirect users to various untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites.

If these ads or redirects occur regularly, check for unwanted, unknown applications (extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons) installed on the default browser. These apps should be removed immediately. The same applies to programs of this type installed on the operating system.

If your computer is already infected with Clicker adware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Deceptive free software installer promoting Clicker adware:

Clicker adware promoting installer

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Clicker adware adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Clicker adware adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Clicker adware", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes Clicker adware ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Clicker adware adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Clicker adware ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Clicker adware", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Clicker adware ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the clickware adware, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Clicker adware  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Clicker adware", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Clicker adware ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the clickware adware, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Clicker adware ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Clicker adware".

Removing Clicker adware ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with clickware adware removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the clickware adware, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on clickware adware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Clickware Adware QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Clickware Adware on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.